Knock knock...

Excellent point, I had only been thinking about the players.



Superleague is a feeder league for NRL coaches. No amount of sticking our heads in the sand and being offended is going to change that.

If we don't like that trim the league down to 8 elite teams, split the sky money 8 ways and increase the cap to between £2 and £3 million. But that would upset some people so we cannot possible do that can we.

That's not quite true though is it (or you are purposely missing parts out)
Wane went from U18 coach, winning their Grand Final, to U20's coach, winning their Grand Final(s), to assistant coach winning their Grand Final and Challenge Cup, before he got the head coaches job.

He's served his time and deserves his chance. It's up to him to take it.

Here's a thought. I've just been reading a thread on the VT about the televising of championship games.
If we've got players at Whitehaven and Rochdale, then, if there were more of these games televised, then would you find extra veiwers in St Helens fans?
If this were the case for multiple championship clubs, would the competetion suddenly become a more attractive proposition for TV companies? Maybe a cheeky bid from someone like Channel 4 or 5 to televise a game a week? Even if it were telvised late at night, it wouldn't be a huge drawback considering how easily people can record and replay programs these days.

The development of the club's youngsters is one of the most interesting and rewarding parts of being a supporter, imo. If our kids were on telly, it would go straight on my Sky+ box.

It wasnt meant to be a criticism of Wane, I just think that in a more ideal world Wigan would have liked to have seen Wane cut his teeth at a lesser club such as Leigh. He would then have been better prepared for making the step up to SL. I think its a valid argument to say that Wanes inexperience cost Wigan Grand Final and also challenge cup success.

We in Britain tend to throw managers (in both Sport and business) into a sink or swim environment. Is it any wonder that UK sport is full of oversees coaches and there are now few British run businesses left.

I would also point out that Michael Mcguire wasnt given a head coaches job in the NRL until he could prove he could do the head coaches role in SL. Similar things happen with many other NRL coaches. They go from assistant coach, to SL head coach then NRL head coach.

The fact Wane won academy grand finals doesnt necessarily make him a great coach. He may have merely been a solid coach blessed with a crop of juniors better than all the rest.
While trophies are all that some fans think coaching is about. Its also as much about developing individuals and a team into a better unit.
At the junior levels its nice to pick up the minor prizes, but ultimately its far more important that you improve upon what you are given.

According to Gareth Walker (RL Express journo) on Twitter, a few Saints lads have gone to Rochdale on a permanent basis. Gaz Frodsham biggest name amongst them.

Ex saints players Fordham wasnt at saints last season out of the lads that as gone they is only Alex trumpet that played for our 20s last season

You feel the club never wanted to give up on Frodsham. A player of definite quality but has just not been able to get on the field. Warren Thompson is another player said to be on his way to Rochdale. I do not really understand why the club did not give him a chance. Seemed a much better player than Paul Johnson, who has been a success since leaving Saints. In his only first team game against Fev in the cup looked dominant and scored a good try. Maybe Saints feel that these lads have the ability to blossom in the championship. They are at the very least good professionals that can make Rochdale a stronger club.

Well hello there brothers in arms, aren't I glad it's you and not that inbred Wigoon lot we've linked up with.

I hope that both clubs will get a lot out of this partnership and it would be great to see any of you at our games in Rochdale. Our ground ois pretty good with good facilities so come along and see how the other half live eh?

Onward Hornets & Saints, onward.

Pugwash.

I knew about this partnership ages ago, I was also sworn to secrecy over talbot getting the the first team coaching job there.

I don't think a former saint and ex Rochdale coach is to impressed.

I have already been told a few of the younger first team lads are saying I am contracted to saints not Rochdale so what happens so surely they would have to agree to going playing in champions one which I can see a few saying I aint going playing for them and trying to get a loan deal in super league

That would probably be fine, but if they don't get a loan deal and they don't go to Rochdale, they don't play.

Yeh but I knew before you so there

Our two Irish lads will need to be finding somewhere to play then as they're both around 23.
Any clues as to whether they're going to find themselves on dual reg?

From what people have said, Cross is a reasonably accomplished back, whereas the Jolly Green Giant has failed to fulfill the potential his size implied.

I think they've gone - I'm pretty sure Cross has left, anyway.